Description

HED's extra-wide workhorse.

HED's Ardennes wheel line has become widely popular for its light weight and ultra-wide profile. So, when it came time to update its rim profiles, HED made sure that those changes were applied to its long-time staple, the Plus CL Wheelset. Along with the new 25mm rim width, it features the same higher spoke count that's continually made the Ardennes CL the wheel of choice for both stallions and cyclocross racers alike. So, whether you're looking for a bombproof training wheelset, or just some extra peace of mind, the CL Plus wheelset will do the trick.

The CL Plus forgoes the scandium alloy rim of its SL and FR siblings in favor of an aluminum rim. And while it comes at the expense of a handful of grams, you're still getting the full benefit of HED's new and wider C2 rim shape. Wide rims have become standard for road use over the past few seasons, and HED kicked off that trend by partnering with Continental to create the original C2 rim shape in 2007. The CL Plus takes this trend a step further, by upping the width by two millimeters, to 25mm. The upshot is that you get more of the same traits that are relegating narrow rims to the antique bin -- namely, better grip and faster rolling through an improved tire profile. And these aren't just empty marketing promises. All things being equal, a wider rim puts more of the tire on the road, and that increased contact patch equates to more grip, especially while cornering. Better yet, by widening the tire's base, more of the sidewall is oriented vertically, which means that the tire is better able to deform around irregularities in the road surface. In other words, you'll roll through the bad stuff, not over it. And just in case you're looking for the fastest rolling setup around, the CL Plus is compatible with tubeless system, in addition to traditional clincher tires with tubes.

The LT Plus wheelset rolls on HED's Sonic hubs. And while they're similar in execution to the hubs found on the rest of the Ardennes line, they lose the carbon fiber accents in favor of full aluminum hub shells. The rear hub has an external grease port, which means that you're able to pump fresh grease in there without having to disassemble the rear hub. The spokes are stainless items, of which the front wheel has 24, and the rear has 28. This higher spoke count makes these an ideal option for heavier riders or cyclocross use. Accordingly, the rider weight limit is bumped up to 250 pounds. To keep the wheelset in place, HED includes its steel quick-release skewers. The result is a wheelset that weighs just around 1635 grams.

The HED Ardennes Plus CL Clincher Road Wheelset is available with either a Shimano/SRAM or Campagnolo freehub compatibility and in the color Black. It's worth noting that both freehub bodies are compatible with 11-speed cassettes, and that these wheels ship with airtight rim tape that makes them compatible with tubeless setups. Please note that HED's suggested rider weight limit for these wheels is 250lb.

Here's what others have to say...

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How hard is it to change tires on these wheels? I usually use Continental Gatorskins. I currently use DT Swiss wheels and changing the tires are a piece of cake. I had another brand and they were practically impossible to get on and off. I do not want a wheel that is difficult to change. Thanks for your time.

Have an answer for jan105732774?

my new top trainer

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

As of this last year the HED ardennes have taken my top spot in everyday wheel. I had myself and my girlfriend ride them this last year and they surpassed the Mavic Ksyrium as my new go to set. They will perform like a race wheel and yet are bombproof. Incredibly stable in windy conditions, they get up to speed in no time at all, and roll perfectly smooth. Power transfer is phenomenal and I don't feel like I loose a thing when really winding them up. They are confident cornering at any speed and leave no worries about flex. Contact me here directly with questions on the Ardennes and I may be able to help on pricing as well kylebrown@backcountry.com